9/11, teen labor, immigration, taxes, languages

Muslim reflections on impact of 9/11

Thank you for including the Arab-American view on 9/11 by attorney Randall Hamud (“Attorney for jailed Muslim men refused to ‘cut and run,’ ” Sept. 7). It is timely not only to memorialize the event of 9/11 but to consider the freedoms we have lost in its aftermath and whether they were really necessary or just a knee-jerk reaction. Do we look at Arabs and think al-Qaeda or 9/11? Do we hear about Mexican drug cartels and condemn all Mexicans? Our country welcomes immigrants from all over the world because of the freedoms we cherish and we should fight to see them returned. -- Shirley Walkoe, San Diego

Hamud’s article explains why Arabs and Muslims are being challenged by the public. He and those he defends do nothing to help society get rid of true criminals who happen to be Arabs and Muslims.

It’s as if those in society should have compassion for gangs and blame the neighborhoods for supporting them. Hamud’s article should show what is behind Arabs’ continuing history of tribal warfare in the 21st century or the lack of action by Muslims against those who dare to use the faith for heinous crimes against society. -- Walter C. Tice, Pacific Beach

Illegal immigration and teen employment

In response to “Needed: a work force built for the future” (Editorial, Sept. 5):

Teenagers are the very definition of unskilled labor. In the past most jobs available to teens have been things like lawn mowing, baby-sitting, newspaper delivery, busing tables and nighttime office-cleaning jobs – all perfect for someone with no skills who needs a job.

Now these jobs are largely taken up by adults, and the majority are of questionable legal immigration status. This is another example of the damage that inaction on illegal immigration is doing to the United States. Not only does the easy availability of cheap labor depress wages and reduce the availability for jobs for legal workers, but it removes opportunities from our young adults to work and get the skills they need.

Health or jobs?

In response to “Obama withdraws plan to tighten smog standards” (Sept. 3): Once again, Obama has caved. I could have sworn that part of his running platform included strong backing for environmental protections, but apparently the winds have shifted, and he is now buying into the tea party and right-wing pressures that suggest that further anti-smog legislation will hurt jobs. In the long run, this sort of legislation opens doors for multiple businesses that will ultimately improve our environment and provide increased employment.

The president needs to stand up, grow a backbone and stop trying to be friends with everybody. -- Kim L. Crickard, San Diego

Flat tax is ‘fair’

In response to “Time for fresh thinking on tax code” (Editorial, Sept. 6): The problem our politicians have with creating a fair tax code is defining fair. One side thinks it’s fair to take money from those who have it, and those on the other side devise ways to keep their money, i.e. tax breaks.

In a dictionary, “fair” has many definitions, but the ones that apply to this debate are honest, impartial and unprejudiced. Therefore, a flat tax is what “fair- minded” people think will work the best.

Next, eliminate most deductions, make allowances for low-income people, and establish a national sales tax. The rich end up paying more without being punished, but there are no free rides. -- Bill DiMasi, Jamul

It’s, like, English

Ruben Navarrette (“America’s language barrier,” Opinion, Sept. 4) suggested that America’s work force improve itself by learning a foreign language. I have some different suggestions.

I suggest that Americans brush up on their English. After all, employers aren’t likely to hire people who write in text-message shorthand or symbols and, sorta, you know, talk, like, um, this?

I recommend that Americans study the twin languages of logic and mathematics. Any high-paying job not in politics will require people to be highly proficient in both.

And last, I recommend that Americans learn how to talk to computers, which can be very helpful if properly instructed. -- Daniel Hall, Oceanside